OXFORDSHIRE had a tough first day of their final Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash against Cheshire at Alderley Edge.

The home side made the most of short boundaries on the small ground to rattle up a massive total of 460-9 in their allotted 90 overs as they posted three century stands throughout the day.

Captain Ian Hawtin won the toss and elected to bowl first on a fairly overcast day, and his decision appeared a good one as Jonny Kettle was bowled by Chad Keegan for five.

But then came the first of three century partnerships as Warren Goodwin and Richard Wilkson put on 121 for the second wicket.

Goodwin fell for 66 from 100 balls, only for Lee Dixon to join Wilkinson at the crease for a third-wicket stand of 106.

Dixon outshone Wilkinson in that partnership, being run out for 61 from 75 balls.

And when Wilkinson was caught behind by Ian Hawtin off left-arm spinner Luke Ryan for 96, Oxon felt they were back in the game.

But Oxon’s joy was short-lived.

A further 130-run partnership between James Duffy and Andrew Hall put paid to Oxon’s hopes of bowling Cheshire out.

Duffy was in particularly punishing mood, slamming 103 from only 89 balls with ten fours and three sixes.

Racing along at more than five runs an over, the home side did lose wickets late in their innings.

Indeed at one point, seamer Daniel Rowe was on a hat-trick after having Danny Berry caught at deep square leg by Jonny Cater, followed by Richard Logan next ball to a smart catch at long on by Ryan.

On a day when all the Oxfordshire bowlers took some flak, the ever-dependable Keegan finished with 4-103 from his 24 overs.

Oxfordshire faced 17 overs at the end of the day, and found batting more difficult as they closed on 57-3.

Nat Watkins was first to fall, being cleaned up by Logan, before Alex Jewell and Charlie Knightley also fell cheaply.